Galvez said the decisions that Flores already made, such as charging Rios Montt with genocide and crimes against humanity, remain in place.

The defense lawyer for Rios Montt complained in late January that Flores violated due process by charging the former dictator before hearing his testimony. Rios Montt was supposed to testify in a hearing but refused to respond to questions.

It's the first time a Latin American court has charged a former president with genocide.

The case also involves retired generals Mauricio Rodriguez Sanchez and Hector Mario Lopez Fuentes, the army chief of staff under Rios Montt. Both men are in their 80s and contend poor health has kept them from court proceedings.

The defense request that Flores step down was filed by a lawyer for Lopez Fuentes.